About the Role
Gilbane Development Company is seeking a strategic and entrepreneurial Director, Development to lead ground-up student housing projects from concept through completion. This role is pivotal in expanding our development pipeline and shaping vibrant, high-performing communities tailored to student needs. The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and brings deep experience in real estate development, strong financial acumen, and a passion for mentoring and team-building.
Responsibilities
- Leads the identification, acquisition, and due diligence process for new student housing developments.
- Sources, identifies, and underwrites new development opportunities.
- Oversees the entire development cycle, including entitlement, design, permitting, construction, and final delivery of project.
- Conducts comprehensive market research and financial modeling to evaluate project feasibility.
- Develops and manages detailed project budgets, schedules, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Collaborates cross-functionally with internal teams, consultants, and contractors.
- Promotes a culture of mentorship, innovation, and accountability within the development team.
- Monitors industry trends and proactively adjusts strategies.
- Provides clear and consistent updates to senior leadership regarding pipeline progress, financial performance, and key project milestones.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Architecture, Construction Management, or related field.
- 10+ years of experience in real estate development, with a strong record of success in ground-up student housing or multifamily projects.
- Sourced and completed a minimum of six substantial development projects valued between $50 and $150 million, with significant involvement in student housing.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple development projects simultaneously, at various phases and across diverse geographic locations.
- Experience with mixed-use, retail, and multifamily projects is also desirable.
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, complemented by a collaborative and entrepreneurial approach.
- Proven capacity to prioritize and execute tasks efficiently.
- Advanced skills in financial modeling and analytics are essential.
- Proficiency with development tools such as MS Project, Excel, and project management platforms is required.
- Qualified applicants who are offered a position must pass a pre-employment substance abuse test.
Skills
- Financial modeling
- Analytics
- MS Project
- Excel
- Project management platforms
- Leadership
- Interpersonal skills
- Collaborative approach
- Entrepreneurial approach
Experience Level
- 10+ years
Education Level
- Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Architecture, Construction Management, or related field
- MBA or Master’s in a related discipline is preferred
Salary/Compensations
- $137,840 - $201,600
Benefits
- Competitive health and welfare benefits
- Generous profit-sharing/401k plan
- Investment in employee education
- Gilbane University training
About the Company
- Gilbane Development Company is seeking a strategic and entrepreneurial Director, Development to lead ground-up student housing projects from concept through completion.
- This role is pivotal in expanding our development pipeline and shaping vibrant, high-performing communities tailored to student needs.
- The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and brings deep experience in real estate development, strong financial acumen, and a passion for mentoring and team-building.
Equal Opportunity
- Gilbane is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
- All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or disability status.
